Deep End Protocol

Maya's brain felt like a zombie's—fried, slow, barely functioning after three hours of SAT prep. But here she was, leaning against the tiled wall of Tyler's backyard pool party, clutching a warm soda like it was a lifeline. Typical Friday night, honestly.

She'd been spying on Tyler from behind her oversized sunglasses for twenty minutes. Not in a creepy way. Okay, maybe a little creepy. But it was fine because everyone did it. Instagram stalking was basically a love language at this point.

Tyler laughed at something Chloe said, throwing his head back. Water droplets sparkled on his chest like, annoyingly perfect. Meanwhile, Maya was fully clothed, sweating, and questioning every life choice that led to this moment.

"You look like you're calculating murder," someone whispered.

Maya jumped. It was Riley, that fox from her history class—the one who'd somehow mastered the art of looking effortless while being absurdly smart. She was wearing a vintage band tee and swim shorts, hair in two French braids, absolutely dry.

"I'm calculating survival," Maya muttered. "Social interaction is hard."

Riley snorted. "You're doing the thing where you overthink everything and then freeze up. You're literally giving zombie energy right now."

"Zombie energy is valid. I got four hours of sleep."

"Fair." Riley slid down the wall to sit beside her. "You know what helps?"

"Going home and hiding under blankets?"

"Nope." Riley nodded toward the pool. "Jumping in the deep end. Literally. Metaphorically, whatever. Rip off the band-aid."

Maya stared at the water. "I'm not even wearing a—"

Riley shoved her.

It wasn't hard. Just enough. Maya stumbled forward, arms pinwheeling, and hit the water fully clothed. The shock of cold stole her breath. She came up sputting, hair plastered to her face, leggings heavy and ridiculous.

Everyone was staring. Tyler was staring. Chloe was staring.

And then Tyler started laughing. Not mean laughing—real laughing, doubled over, splashing water at her. "Finally! I was wondering when you'd join us!"

Someone tossed her a towel. Riley gave her a thumbs-up from the wall, that fox, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

Maya wiped her eyes. Her makeup was probably wrecked. Her clothes were ruined. But somehow, the zombie feeling was gone. Replaced by something lighter. Something like actually belonging.

"Okay," Maya said, grinning despite herself. "Okay, fine. You win."